Snoop Dogg's "Missionary" Review: A Lackluster Successor to a Hip-hop Legend's Timeless Hit
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre's long-awaited collaboration, the 2024 release Missionary, isn't your typical run-of-the-mill album. After over three decades since the iconic 'Doggystyle', these legends aimed to rekindle the magic that defined West Coast hip-hop. But this time around, they wanted to "demonstrate a newfound maturity", deviating from the history-making hip-hop classic.
Although named after a suggestion for bedroom activities, Missionary is far from being a seductive adventure. The most flirtatious track, "Gangsta Pose", starts off racy, but soon transforms into another self-assured lesson from Uncle Snoop about confidence and enduring life's hardships.
Instead of an album brimming with sensual bangers, Missionary is more like a high-rolling, Tinseltown shindig. A-list artists such as the late Tom Petty, Jelly Roll, 50 Cent, and Eminem hop on tracks, aiming to balance inspiration with relatability. Results are somewhat hit-or-miss, especially in the guest department. Tom Petty's droning hook on "Lady Mary Jane", an ode to the West Coast icon's beloved marijuana, is a tough listen. Eminem's staccato flow on "Gunz n Smoke" contrasts sharply against 50 Cent and Snoop's entertaining, laid-back braggadocio, as they regale tales inspired by their rough-and-tumble pre-fame lives.
Not every track falls flat; "Another Part of Me" stands out, featuring a stunning collaboration with Sting, where Snoop dips his toes into psychedelic rock. Although disrupting the album's overall tone, it's a delightful surprise that transcends the cheesy crossover stereotype. On the contrary, "Fire", the disastrous reggae track, makes you pine for Snoop Dogg's days as Snoop Lion.
The collaboration between Snoop and Dre occasionally delivers a taste of their golden years. "Outta Da Blue" is a heartfelt throwback to the duo's illustrious past, with each taking turns on an '80s-style beat, reminiscent of hip-hop's early days. The album finale, "The Negotiator", showcases Dre's masterful production and Snoop's chill vibe at their best, with the familiar, hypnotic strings, guitar licks, and ethereal chimes supporting Snoop as he basks in the glow of having his name alongside Lenny Kravitz on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In essence, Missionary is a lackluster sequel to a hip-hop legend, where the inspirational tone sometimes feels contrived, and the diverse soundscape works both in its favor and against it. Snoop and Dre lose sight of the powerhouse collaboration they once created with Doggystyle, but flashes of fun and moments of brilliance keep it from being completely forgettable.
- The album Missionary, despite its adult-themed title, presents a diverse soundscape that transcends traditional hip-hop, incorporating elements of rock, psychedelic, reggae, and pop to create a high-profile entertainment event.
- Among the A-list collaborations on the album, the track "Gunz n Smoke" features Eminem, 50 Cent, and Snoop Dogg, showcasing their unique styles as they trade verses about their pre-fame lives, creating a compelling narrative that blends pop-culture references with authentic storytelling.
- One of the most memorable collaborations on Missionary is the psychedelic rock-infused track "Another Part of Me," where Snoop Dogg joins forces with Sting, demonstrating the artists' ability to explore new musical territories while showcasing their individual strengths and maintaining a connection to their roots in entertainment.
